Congress: betting sponsorship banned

A motion to ban betting sponsorship in the GAA has been unanimously passed at annual Congress.

A whopping 93 per cent of 270 votes backed the motion proposing that "sponsorship by a betting company of any competition, team, playing gear or facility is prohibited".

Supporting the motion, Connacht Council chairman Mick Rock claimed that the GAA is "besieged by gambling" and that passing the motion would "enhance the moral standing of the GAA in Irish life and protect the integrity of our games".

GPA delegate and former Galway dual star Alan Kerins revealed how 15 per cent of their members who sought conselling last year did so in relation to gambling problems.

Down delegate Jack Devaney also supported the motion and called for it to be extended to drink companies.

"I hope in time to come that a similar motion can be extended to alcohol companies," he said.

The rule change will affect former All-Ireland club champions Crossmaglen Rangers who are sponsored by bookmakers Bar One Racing,while Armagh also have a sponsorship arrangement with BoyleSports.